Washington, D.C. — The Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress released a new toolkit designed to help advocates ensure states comply with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ updated Section 504 rule, which strengthens disability nondiscrimination protections across health care, child welfare systems, and other federally funded programs.
The rule, titled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance,” updates Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by setting new, enforceable standards for accessibility and nondiscrimination. This specific rule addresses programs and services regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services and funded by the federal government. With major compliance deadlines arriving in 2026 and 2027, CAP outlines what the rule requires and how advocates can press state leaders to act.
“Disabled people have long faced discrimination and barriers to basic health care and family services, even when those programs receive federal funding,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director for the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress. “This toolkit helps advocates push state officials to provide guidance and oversight so that these updated civil rights protections are actually realized on the ground.”
CAP’s toolkit highlights:
- New accessibility standards for health care. The rule requires accessible medical diagnostic equipment—such as exam tables and weight scales—and strengthens requirements for accessible websites, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks.
- Stronger protections against discrimination. Covered entities may not rely on stereotypes or generalizations about disability in medical decision-making or child welfare determinations.
- Broad application across state systems. The rule applies to hospitals, clinics, Medicaid providers and managed care plans, child welfare agencies, and state and local health and human services departments that receive federal funding.
- Urgent state role in implementation. Despite reduced federal capacity for oversight, covered entities remain legally obligated to comply, and individuals may still bring administrative complaints or lawsuits for violations.
Read the toolkit: “Ensuring State Implementation of HHS’ Updated Section 504 Rule” by Casey Doherty and Mia Ives-Rublee
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].